BENIN CITY: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo Command, has arrested 46 suspects in connection with drug trafficking, seized more than 6,439kg of illicit substances, and secured seven convictions in January.
The State Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a media briefing in Benin City, highlighting that the suspects included 36 males and 10 females.
Ofoyeju attributed the early-year successes to intelligence-driven operations and strategic collaborations with sister security agencies. Among the major seizures was 792kg of marijuana hidden in charcoal bags on the Auchi–Abuja Expressway. Suspect Shaibu Yusuf was arrested while allegedly transporting the drugs to northern Nigeria.
The NDLEA commander commended the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, for its support, noting that two suspects, Chief James Abamu (48) and Aboy Egah (31), were handed over to the agency with 681kg of marijuana and 181kg of seeds.
In a joint operation with the military, the agency also destroyed a marijuana farm spanning 1.63 hectares at Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest, Esan South East LGA, estimated to yield 4,063.87kg of marijuana.
Overall, 6,439.4kg of drugs were seized, including 0.7957kg of psychotropic substances, 0.0264kg of methamphetamine, 0.011kg of cocaine, 0.013kg of heroin, and 3.5 litres of codeine syrup.
Ofoyeju added that the command impounded a light green Toyota Yaris (USL 123HK) during operations at Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, while securing seven convictions and filing seven new court cases. Currently, 105 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court, Benin City.
The NDLEA continues to address drug abuse through counselling and rehabilitation, with 16 clients counselled and seven undergoing rehabilitation in January, alongside four sensitization programmes, he added.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to curb drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State to ensure a safer and healthier society,” Ofoyeju affirmed.
